My thoughts
Let's face it...I'm fascinated by many historical figures. I can't help it. History is in my blood. I think I might even breathe it. Ever since I can remember, I have always been obsessed with all things historical. I mean, in third grade, when every other kid wanted to be a superhero or a princess, who did I want to be? Betsy Ross! Luckily, my mom is an excellent seamstress and she sewed me the most gorgeous Revolutionary period ensemble (I need to dig up that picture some time and post it here). But I digress. My point is that I've noticed that I begin many a review with the phrase "I have always been fascinated by...". And so, this is again the case with the legendary Boudica, the Iceni queen who refused to back down when betrayed by Rome.
As with last year's A Day of Fire, this novel has a unique perspective. It's a seven part novel written by seven different authors. Each part tells the story of someone who lived, and crossed paths, during Boudica's rebellion. The stories are compelling and told by some of our best authors in the historical fiction genre. And I now have a new fascination with Cartimandua, who was queen of the Brigantes during Boudica's time. I will definitely be picking up the biography that Ben Kane mentions in the introduction, written by Nicki Howarth.
I'm really enjoying this kind of telling of historical stories. It's like getting seven historical novels in one book. I can't wait to hear what figure/subject they will be writing about next. I hope that is in their plans!
You simply must grab this book. The historical detail alone makes it worth the read. Add in characters with dimension and fantastic storytelling, and this is a book that firmly falls into the must read category.
A Year of Ravens: A Novel of Boudica’s Rebellion
by Ruth Downie, Stephanie Dray, E. Knight, Kate Quinn, Vicky Alvear Shecter, S.J.A. Turney, and Russell Whitfield
Publication Date: November 13, 2015
Knight Media LLC
eBook & Paperback; 440 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: November 13, 2015
Knight Media LLC
eBook & Paperback; 440 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Britannia: land of mist and magic clinging to the western edge of the Roman Empire. A red-haired queen named Boudica led her people in a desperate rebellion against the might of Rome, an epic struggle destined to consume heroes and cowards, young and old, Roman and Celt . . . and these are their stories.
A calculating queen sees the sparks of revolt in a king’s death.
A neglected slave girl seizes her own courage as Boudica calls for war.
An idealistic tribune finds manhood in a brutal baptism of blood and slaughter.
A conflicted warrior hovers between loyalty to tribe and loyalty to Rome.
A death-haunted Druid challenges the gods themselves to ensure victory for his people.
An old champion struggles for everlasting glory in the final battle against the legions.
A fiery princess fights to salvage the pieces of her mother’s dream as the ravens circle.
A novel in seven parts, overlapping stories of warriors and peacemakers, queens and slaves, Romans and Celts who cross paths during Boudica’s epic rebellion. But who will survive to see the dawn of a new Britannia, and who will fall to feed the ravens?
A calculating queen sees the sparks of revolt in a king’s death.
A neglected slave girl seizes her own courage as Boudica calls for war.
An idealistic tribune finds manhood in a brutal baptism of blood and slaughter.
A conflicted warrior hovers between loyalty to tribe and loyalty to Rome.
A death-haunted Druid challenges the gods themselves to ensure victory for his people.
An old champion struggles for everlasting glory in the final battle against the legions.
A fiery princess fights to salvage the pieces of her mother’s dream as the ravens circle.
A novel in seven parts, overlapping stories of warriors and peacemakers, queens and slaves, Romans and Celts who cross paths during Boudica’s epic rebellion. But who will survive to see the dawn of a new Britannia, and who will fall to feed the ravens?
Ruth Downie, Stephanie Dray, E. Knight, Kate Quinn, Vicky Alvear Shecter, S.J.A. Turney, & Russell Whitfield
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Also a fan of historical fiction, I'm intrigued by this being co-written by several authors. Definitely one I'll keep a look out for. Great review, thank you.
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